Free film festival has something for everyone

Former Clash member Joe Strummer will feature in a photo exhibition at the festival

Portobello Film FestivalVarious venues1-21 August

With several events taking place daily, this free festival has something to offer all film fans.

It kicks off with the premiere of Barney Platts-Mills's new Moroccan romantic comedy Looking For Tomorrow, and a photo exhibition of Portobello stars including Joe Strummer, Will Self, and Nina Cherry.

The festival continues with specially commissioned contributions from the likes of Pete Doherty and Keith Allen, while there is sorcery from Indian magician Aladin and Paul Kieve, who did the magic for the Harry Potter films.

Poetry, talks by authors, Edinburgh Festival previews, music and Capoeira dance will all feature during the festival's three weeks.

A Video Café will be running throughout the festival, where filmmakerscan come along on the night and screen their movies. There will also be a 24 Hour Film Challenge where filmmakers will be told the title and theme for a film, and given just one day to make it.

In all, over 700 new independent productions will be shown during the festival, with the final awards ceremony held at The Electric Cinema on 21 August.